Discover Ocala – Episode 18 | Fine Arts for Ocala (FAFO)

Oct 23, 2024

An artist paints on canvas
Fine Arts for Ocala Arts Festival is taking over pretty much the entire swath of the downtown area October 26-27 for a weekend of art, music, demonstrations, food, and entertainment. The event began in 1966 and has developed into a major event that in 2023 drew over 40,000 people to Ocala.
On this month’s Discover Ocala podcast, FAFO VP Emily Andrews joins Valerie to talk about the organization’s origins and mission, how the Festival got started, and how the community has supported local artists and artisans’ ability to not only be creative, but to earn livelihoods through their passions.

“The Arts Festival is one of maybe the only opportunities for county-wide student art exhibits and live student performances. We have over 1000 pieces displayed and we have student performances that go both Saturday and Sunday,” Andrews says.

“Our artists are obviously the highlight of the show,” she goes on, and highlights Featured Artist Jordan Shapot. “He’s an amazing local artist, and we’re so happy to have him highlighted this year. We’d love for everybody to stop by his booth and see his work.” 

A painter and illustrator living in Central Florida, Shapot studied at Savannah College of Art and Design and won the festival Award of Distinction in 2022. This will be his fourth year participating, and he will have a booth displaying his work for people to enjoy and purchase. Currently some of his pieces are on exhibit at the Reilly Arts Center, and he’s excited about returning to the festival.  

”I’m honored to have some work up at the @thereillyartscenter for this season of the @theocalasymphony!” Shapot wrote on his Instagram, and in an exuberant post the day before, “Ocala Arts Festival is right around the corner! Only 11 days until our beloved downtown festival, hosted by the wonderful @fafoocala!” 

“The Arts Festival is one of maybe the only opportunities for county-wide student art exhibits and live student performances. We have over 1000 pieces displayed and we have student performances that go both Saturday and Sunday.Our artists are obviously the highlight of the show.”

Emily Andrews, FAFO Vice President

Over 400 artist applicants from around the county submit early in the year to be included to exhibit in the art show, from which an independent panel of judges select around 145. It’s a prime opportunity not only for artists to see and be seen, but also to sell their work and generate new business — and boost their ability to become self-sustaining craftsmen and creators – particularly young artists and beginners. In addition, almost $30,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the participants at a special dinner event on Saturday evening.

“We love it,” Valerie says, remembering how she would take her daughter to the festival when it used to be held at the McPherson. “I actually have a good friend of mine who used to live here, but when she graduated from UF, she moved to Montana. She tries to make it down here every year just for this art show.” 

FAFO is primarily volunteer-run by people who simply love art and the creators who make it. In addition to its many programs, events, and grant incentives, it’s also the creative force behind Symphony Under the Stars, which happens every Mothers Day since 1988. This popular annual outdoor concert, complete with a fireworks finale, is held at Ocala Golf Club and has become a staple of the community. The audience can bring a picnic, or purchase food and drink from on-site vendors, and enjoy beautiful music from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Matthew Wardell. Regular and VIP tickets are available for purchase; kids under 17 are admitted free. 

The group at FAFO
Andrews says her favorite program at the Festival is Emerging Artists, which was created to encourage and support new and up-and coming talent and is sponsored this year by Advent Health. Recipients of the program are able to show and sell their work alongside established artists, participate in the Jury competition, and work with mentors to advance their careers. Five people are selected to receive waivers for their booth fees, $250 in travel expenses, a $500 stipend for art supplies and materials, food, volunteer support, and media promotion during the Festival.  They’re also allowed to keep 100% of profits from sales of their work over the weekend.

“They’re featured on the map in a special section; they’re new to the show scene, and it’s just a great way to highlight upcoming artists,” she explains. “We have painting, jewelry, textiles – our artists are the highlight of the show, and we love our student art as well as the live performances at the gazebo.”

It’s a big annual event that’s free and open to the public, and there’s plenty for locals and visitors alike to see and explore, plus food, drink, live music, and a vibrant celebration of the thriving Ocala Arts community.

 “It’s going to be another amazing event, and the more people who come, I would love them to keep buying art so that the artists keep coming back,” Andrews says.

For more information about the festival and FAFO’s members, grant programs, and other events, visit FAFO.org.

Check out some of our previous podcast features!